If someone says to you, “Quick, picture a barn,” what color immediately comes to mind? Chances are, it’s bright red. Barns have long been associated with the color red, but why?
Turns out there are a few reasons why barns are painted red so often. Here are the details on how red became the default color choice for barns in America, Europe and several other parts of the world.
Tradition
Red has been a traditional color for barns for centuries.This is likely due to the fact that red has always been a relatively inexpensive color to produce and was once believed to have insect-repelling properties. It is believed that the first barns were painted red with a mixture of milk and lime, which was a common practice in Europe. The milk helped to seal the wood and the lime provided a protective coating against the elements.
There is also some folklore surrounding the color red and barns. Some people believe that red barns are more resistant to fire, while others believe that they bring good luck to the farmer.
Durability
Red paint is a durable paint that can withstand the harsh weather conditions that barns are often exposed to. The natural pigment of red oxide that is found in clay and iron ore, making it less susceptible to fading or weathering. In addition, red paint is opaque, which means that it covers the wood completely. This helps to protect the wood from the elements and from insects and mold.
Visibility
Red is a bright color that is easily visible from a distance. This is important for barns, as they are often located in rural areas where there is little traffic. The bright red color helps to make barns more visible to drivers and pedestrians, which can help to prevent accidents.
Today, there are many different colors that barns can be painted, but red remains a popular choice. It is a traditional, durable, and visible color that is well-suited for barns. However, if red barns aren’t for you, there are a variety of metal barn options that can be as stylish as they are affordable and easy to construct. From smaller barn footprints to a large 30×70 metal building, there’s never been a better time to find the right barn for your needs.
